Lorraine Disque

Lorraine G. Disque, 85, of Frederick, MD, died peacefully Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at The Meadows of Homewood At Crumland Farms. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1932, Lorraine was the only child of Carl and Anna Gottschall. A 1949 graduate of the former Peabody H.S., Lorraine graduated magna cum laude in 1953 from the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in education, and was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. In September 1953, she wed fellow Pitt alumni, Donald T. Disque, and moved to Frederick where Don had already begun employment as a civilian microbiologist in the Physical Defense Department. Soon Lorraine also worked at Detrick as an administrative assistant and became active in the Frederick Junior Women’s Club. Beginning in 1956, Lorraine briefly left the work-force to devote her full energy to raising her three sons, Ronald, Carl and Thomas.

In 1965, she began her delayed career as an educator, teaching typing, shorthand and related-business curricula at St. John’s Literary Institute, before later joining FCPS as a school librarian, teaching reading and library skills, most notably at Wolfsville Elementary, and, later, at Walkersville Elementary. A memorable personality, Lorraine was especially well known for dramatic readings and felt-board storytelling using materials she personally created, which kept students spellbound. In 1976, she received her M.Ed. degree from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), but thereafter devotedly continued post-graduate training, coursework and certifications to the extent of achieving the FCPS-recognized level of "doctoral equivalence". She was an adjunct lecturer for Hood College’s early childhood education curricula, and she helped establish the FCPS Elementary and Middle-School-Aged Summer Gifted & Talented Programs held on Hood’s campus. Lorraine was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma professional honorary society for educators. For many years, Lorraine was a member of the Frederick Literacy Council, and an FMH Auxiliary volunteer.

After retiring in 1994, Lorraine was active in committees of both State and County retired employee associations (MRSPA and FCRSPA). She was a member and past-president of the Frederick Art Club. Always a faithful Christian, for the past 20+ years, she was a member of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick. A generous, devoted mother and grandmother, Lorraine recognized the importance of encouraging any child’s early interest in books and reading, and of his/her cultural enrichment. Lorraine loved all forms of music, especially classical/symphonic works. A choral arts participant throughout much of her life, Lorraine sang with the Pitt Singers, Frederick Singers, as well as in church choirs at Calvary Methodist and Good Shepherd Lutheran. In retirement, Lorraine fulfilled her lifelong ambition to see the world. In trips, often accompanied by her good friend, Joan Cox, Lorraine visited most of western Europe, including the British Isles and Scandinavia, but also Japan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, while also exploring much of the southwestern U.S., Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and Nova Scotia.

She is survived by her grateful sons, Ronald T. Disque, Sr. (Karen) of Frederick, Carl W. Disque (Sharon) of Braddock Heights, and Thomas A. Disque (Robin) of Harpers Ferry, WV; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM on December 30, 2017 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, to be followed by a noon Celebration of Life service, Pastor Doug Jones officiating. Inurnment of ashes at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with buffet reception for sharing laughter and memories will immediately follow the service. A cheerful charitable giver throughout her life, Lorraine and her family request that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name be made to the Hospice organization (or other charity) of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.